Lauren Jenkins is a Big Machine recording artist who recently released her stellar debut EP, The Nashville Sessions. I reached out to her about getting to know the story behind a highlight of the EP, "Blood," and from it came Queens of Country's very first "Behind The Songs" feature. Read on to learn the story behind "Blood" and what it means to Lauren.

Writers: Lauren Jenkins and Trey Bruce
​Producer: Trey Bruce

What is the story behind "Blood"?:
"Blood" was one of those incredibly honest songs that was painful to write. A couple of years ago my little sister was going through a dark time, so I wrote "Blood" for her. I wanted her to know that she wasn’t alone and that we all have our own demons that we struggle with.

I’ve had friends and family go through or be affected by drug and alcohol addiction, depression, and suicide. This is a big issue for me. Not to get political, but mental health is a real thing. There are great organizations focusing on these topics, raising awareness and making a difference. I get it, these things are hard for most people to talk about, which is why I had to write this song.

What does the line "the blood in you is the blood in me" mean to you?It’s something I say to my sister to remind her she isn’t alone. We share the same blood and we aren’t so different. It was a way for me to say “you are my sister and I am walking beside you through this.” I struggle just like she does, just like we all do. It's part of being human.​

What was the process of writing the track?
One day I walked into the studio and told Trey "I’ve gotta write this song" and here’s why. So then I sat on the floor (cried a lot) and just kind of told him what was happening and that became the lyrics to the song. "Blood" came from a very honest place so it felt like the song wrote itself. I’m not sure if it took 20 minutes or 2 hours to write, but we finished "Blood" pretty quickly.

Any specific influences on the sound or production of the track?
The version of "Blood" that’s on The Nashville Sessions EP is different from the version I play live. The song is dark and raw, so with my band I’ve been staying true to that sentiment. I’m a big fan of T Bone Burnett, so when we play it live we put electric guitar and baritone on the song. It sounds beautiful and kind of heart breaking all at the same time.

​Do you have a favorite lyric?
“The Blood in you is the blood in me” and “The bitch is they say only God can save”.
I’ve been the one witnessing someone I love go through heavy stuff and at times I’ve been the person that’s going through something. Both sides of the equation are hard. In my experience, the best thing you can for someone is love, encourage and be there if they want your help.